Education and School System in Slovakia

School types in Slovakia: - State schools - Schools owned by church - Private schools Kindergarten 3 - 6 Primary school 6 - 15 Grammar school, High School (Gymnazium) Specialized Secondary School Conservatories Vocational School

Slovakia school types by levels Kindergartens or pre-school education (3-6 years) Education in Slovakia starts in kindergartens. Pre school education starts at the age of 3, but is not compulsory. Children learn to draw, recite, sing, colours, numbers, information about nature, thing that surround them. At the age of 5, the last year of kindergarten they study geometrical shapes, months of the year, days of week etc. Teachers of Slovakia kindergarten have to have pedagogical education either secondary pedagogical school or university. - Primary schools (6-15 years) - Secondary schools (15-19 years) - Universities (from  19)

Primary school from 6 to 15 years Primary education in Slovakia lasts for nine years and is compulsory. It is divided into two stages of for and five years. Children start attending primary school at the age of 6 till 15.

A school year at Slovakia primary and secondary schools consists of two terms. The first term starts on 2nd September and ends at the end of January, the second term starts on 1st February and lasts until 30th June. Primary school students in Slovakia usually have from 4 to 6 classes a day depending on year of study and school type. Secondary school children have usually 5 to 7 classes per day. Classes last for 45 minutes and there are 5-10 min breaks between them. There is a longer break called "big break" when students usually have a snack. Primary and secondary education in Slovakia is free. Most textbooks and instructional material are distributed for free, returned at the end of the school year.

Marks Students at primary and secondary schools in Slovakia receive marks from 1 to 5, 1 is the best, 5 is the worst. They receive school reports (certificate) at the end of each school term. Primary and secondary education in Slovakia is at a quite high level compared to many countries of the world.

Free time Besides primary and secondary schools, there are afternoon schools for music instruments or painting. After lessons children at primary school can spend their time in youth centres where they can write their homework, draw or play games. The youth clubs in Slovakia are especially useful for children whose parents work and do not wish to leave their children at home by themselves.

Holiday Most schools in Slovakia are owned by the state, though there are a few church-owned and private schools. Students go to school five days a week, from Monday until Friday. Summer holiday in primary and secondary schools in Slovakia is from the 1st of July until the 31st of August. Children also have: Easter holiday, spring holiday, autumn holiday. There is a few days holiday around Christmas and Easter, and on national holidays.

Secondary School After primary school graduation students continue their study at secondary schools on which they were accepted based on study results or entrance tests.  There are a few types of secondary schools in Slovakia. 1. Grammar school, High School (Gymnazium): 4-8 years; provides general secondary education and prepares for further study at universities and other higher education institutions. 2. Specialized Secondary School: 4-5 years; provides specialized education and usually prepares students for further study at higher education institutions. 3. Conservatories: 4-5 years; special type of professional school providing specializing in fields such as Music, Singing, Dancing and Dramatic Arts. 4. Vocational School: 2-4 years; prepares students for careers that are based in manual or practical occupations.

Universities in Slovakia - After secondary school graduation students can apply for a university study. To enter a university, students have to pass an entrance exam. Students are chosen based on the secondary study results and entrance exam results. - Full university education in Slovakia lasts five year, some faculties are organized in 6 year study, e.g. human medicine (MUDr.). University study in Slovakia is organized in the following stages. Stage one, bachelor study lasts 3-4 years and graduates obtain Bachelor title (abb. Bc.). Stage two usually lasts 2 years and graduates obtain the following titles: - Master (abb. Mgr.) - Engineer (abb. Ing.) - Doctor title is based on studied branch (MUDr., MVDr., MDDr.) - The university title is obtained after writing a diploma work and passing state exam on a promotion ceremony. Most professions require second stage university degree. Stage three is called doctorand study and last 3-4 years. Graduates obtain a tile PhD which is placed after the name.